Political row erupts over US ‘allowing’ India to buy Russian oil

A political debate has erupted in India after the United States announced a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to continue purchasing Russian oil. The decision comes at a time when tensions and conflict in the Middle East have affected global oil supply.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the waiver was introduced to ensure oil continues to flow in the international market. According to him, the short-term measure only allows transactions involving Russian oil that is already stranded at sea and will not provide major financial benefits to Russia.

However, the announcement triggered strong reactions from opposition parties in India. Congress leader Manish Tewari questioned why India should need “permission” from the United States to buy oil. He said such languages raise concerns about the country’s sovereignty. Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram also criticised the move, calling it an insult to India’s independence in making energy decisions.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal also asked why the US should decide whether India can purchase oil from another country.

Responding to the criticism, BJP leader Praveen Khandewal accused the opposition of politicising the issue. He said the government has been transparent about the country’s oil policy and that opposition parties are raising unnecessary controversies for political reasons.

The issue has come at a time when global energy remains unstable due to geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict in different regions.